Dwarf Iris Iris 'Knick Knack' (MDB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Knick Knack' is an ornamental plant recognized for its distinctive and attractive flowers. The blooms are the most striking feature of this plant, showcasing a captivating combination of colors. The petals can present a blend of various hues, often with a contrast of lighter and darker shades that enhance their visual appeal. They typically possess a velvety texture that adds to their luxurious appearance. The flowers are made up of several segments, with some that curl elegantly downwards, while others stand upright or fan out, giving the flower its characteristic shape. This iris variant commonly displays a unique pattern or speckling on its petals that further differentiates it from other irises. The foliage of Iris 'Knick Knack' consists of narrow, long, and sword-shaped leaves that grow in a clump, emanating from the base of the plant. These leaves are often a rich green color and can have a slightly arching habit, contributing to the graceful silhouette of the plant. The leaves serve as an attractive backdrop that complements and accentuates the dramatic flowers. Despite omitting the specifics of its dimensions, Iris 'Knick Knack' is recognized for fitting into various garden spaces due to its adaptable nature. The plant's propensity for producing multiple blooms adds significantly to its lush and full appearance when in season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Miniature Dwarf Bearded Iris, MDB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Knick Knack' (MDB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Knick Knack' is part of the iris family. Most irises contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested, with the rhizomes being particularly known for their higher concentration of these compounds. While toxicity levels can vary among different iris species, ingestion of the plant's rhizomes or other parts could potentially cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Ingesting significant quantities may also result in more severe symptoms like dehydration or electrolyte imbalance due to prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Iris 'Knick Knack' is considered toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The toxic components are primarily concentrated in the rhizomes but are present throughout the plant. If a pet ingests part of an iris, symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset, such as drooling, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, particularly if large quantities of the rhizome are consumed, there may be more serious digestive issues or central nervous system symptoms. It's crucial to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting parts of this plant due to its toxic potential.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The Iris 'Knick Knack' is known for being a low-maintenance plant, which makes it easy to grow for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Compact Size: As a Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB) Iris, it stays compact, making it suitable for small gardens or container planting.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It offers beautiful flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Drought Tolerance: It has good drought tolerance once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatile Planting: It can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, rock gardens, and as groundcover.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the spring, providing seasonal interest and color after a long winter.
- Low Pest and Disease Risk: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Propagation: Can be propagated easily through division, making it easy to expand your garden or share with others.
- Long-Lived: Once established, bearded irises are long-lived perennials, providing beauty for many years with minimal effort.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Iris 'Knick Knack' can be used in pressed flower art due to its distinct shape and color, which adds aesthetic appeal to the artwork.
- Iris petals are sometimes used in the production of natural dyes for fabrics, giving textiles a unique and vibrant hue.
- These flowers can be incorporated into perfumery, as certain Iris species are used for their scent to create high-quality fragrances.
- Iris 'Knick Knack' can be featured in macro photography as a subject to highlight the intricate patterns and details of its petals.
- The plant's strong stalks can be used as a natural support for other plants in mixed flower arrangements or in a garden setting.
- Dried Iris flowers can serve as bookmarks or embellishments for handcrafted paper goods and invitations.
- In themed gardens, Iris 'Knick Knack' can be planted to represent symbols or themes, such as wisdom or friendship, in cultural or literary gardens.
- The petals of the Iris can be used to float in bowls of water as a decorative element for centerpieces in events or home decor.
- Fine-artists may use the patterning of the Iris petals as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, or fabric designs.
- The plant can serve an educational purpose in botany classes to demonstrate the characteristics of monocot plants, including their distinctive flower structure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris often represents hope, inspiring people to stay hopeful for the future.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, often depicted in art and literature.
- Faith: As a symbol of faith, the iris serves as a reminder to keep faith in difficult times.
- Courage: Its stately appearance has been associated with courage and valour, representing a brave heart.
- Royalty: Due to its regal appearance and connection to the French monarchy (Fleur-de-lis), the iris can symbolize royalty and nobility.
- Purity and Innocence: The iris can also represent purity and innocence, often found in religious or spiritual contexts.
WaterThe dwarf bearded iris, commonly known as Iris 'Knick Knack', should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural dry climate conditions. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions. During the active growth period in spring, water once a week with approximately half a gallon per plant to ensure the soil is moist to a depth of about 8 inches. Cut back on watering after the blooming period as Iris 'Knick Knack' enters dormancy and prefers drier conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage.
LightDwarf bearded irises thrive in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Iris 'Knick Knack' is an area with bright, unfiltered sunlight to promote vigorous growth and prolific flowering. However, in extremely hot climates, a spot that offers light afternoon shade will prevent potential damage to the blooms.
TemperatureDwarf bearded irises, like Iris 'Knick Knack', prefer temperate climates and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 30°F to 90°F. They require a period of cold dormancy with temperatures below 40°F to bloom successfully. The ideal growing temperature for these irises is between 55°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy foliage and blooms.
PruningPruning dwarf bearded irises like Iris 'Knick Knack' involves removing spent flower stems after blooming to direct energy back into the rhizome and promote healthy growth for the next season. Regularly deadheading will encourage a tidier appearance. After the first frost in fall, cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Pruning is typically done once a year after flowering or in late autumn.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Miniature Dwarf Bearded Iris, commonly known by its cultivar name 'Knick Knack', thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral pH close to 7. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and sand is ideal for proper root development and drainage. Regularly check the soil's pH and adjust as needed to maintain the neutral range favored by the Iris.
RepottingMiniature Dwarf Bearded Iris, or 'Knick Knack', typically does not need frequent repotting. It should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flower production. Ensure that each division has a few healthy rhizomes for best results.
Humidity & MistingMiniature Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Knick Knack' prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It is well adapted to outdoor conditions where humidity naturally fluctuates. Avoiding high humidity is important to prevent diseases such as rot, which can adversely affect the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool spot, minimal water, during dormant season.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water, divide every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Knick Knack', commonly known as a Miniature Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins its life as a seed, which upon finding suitable soil and climatic conditions, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The plant will then enter a vegetative stage where its roots, leaves, and stems will grow, during which time it uses photosynthesis to gain the energy needed for further growth and development. As it matures, it enters a flowering stage usually in late spring or early summer, where it produces characteristic colorful blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed pods, and once the pods mature, they will release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the seasons, the plant experiences periods of active growth and dormancy, with the foliage dying back in the fall and the rhizomes overwintering to sprout again in the spring. The Iris 'Knick Knack' requires periodic division every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, which is also a means of asexual propagation for this perennial plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The Iris 'Knick Knack', which is a Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB) Iris, is commonly propagated by division, a method that is both straightforward and effective for these perennials. Propagation by division is generally done in late summer after the flowering has ceased and the foliage begins to die back, typically from July to September, depending on the climate. The clumps of the iris are carefully dug up, and the rhizomes—the thick, underground stems—are separated with a sharp knife or by hand. Each division should have at least one or two leaf fans. The rhizomes are then replanted at the soil surface with the roots spread out underneath and the top of the rhizome exposed to the sun. These divisions should be spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart to give each plant room to grow. The soil should be well-draining and the planting area should have plenty of sun, as irises thrive in bright conditions.
